How Mason and Bentaleb’s example has helped Dembele return to form

[mawspurs]

Not many people would have expected Mousa Dembele, a man who cost Tottenham £15 million in 2012, to be pushed out of Mauricio Pochettino’s midfield by Ryan Mason and Nabil Bentaleb.

Read the full article at Squawka

 

[wolff]

Hope Dembele has an awesome end to the season. Its now or never for him i feel.He has the potential but does he have it?

 

[18Klinsmann]

Mason and Bentaleb have impressed me this season, but are still inexperienced and prone to mistakes (i.e. they both put Sturridge through on goal with stray passes Tuesday night). To me it is Dembele's return to form in recent weeks that has given our midfield a real presence of late. Moussa is stronger on the ball, more accurate in his distribution and a real powerhouse in midfield that gives us confidence. I really hope he stays fit and keeps performing to the level that he has been of late, because he gives us the edge on most teams in the middle of the park.
Having young, homegrown talent flourish in the side is, however, a great feeling, and Mason and Bentaleb both have potential to achieve great things with us if they keep developing like they have this season.

 

[18Klinsmann]

Hope Dembele has an awesome end to the season. Its now or never for him i feel.He has the potential but does he have it?

I think he does. I had my doubts, but the last two games have convinced me that he is back at his best. And what a player to bring back to form in January! If the result of competition for places and fighting hard every day to retain or gain a place in the team is having this kind of resurgence from fading stars, we might be in for a treat if Soldado, Paulinho et.al. follow Dembele's example (wishful thinking I know…)

 

[chinaman]

He had disappointed me for 2 full years from January 2013 to January 2015. Hope his recent form runs for at least the same duration and with improved end results.

 

[Japhet]

His leap in form has coincided with him being moved further forward - so probably not a coincidence at all. Think it's a very smart move by Poch since Moussa can take a lot of pressure off Kane with his strength on the ball. The Liverpool game highlighted to me that Stambouli needs to partner Bentaleb or Mason in some games.

 

[longtimespur]

I think he has rekindled some of his form because he is further up the pitch. His strength is showing more in these congested areas.

I agree re: Stambouli being used more often too.

 

[Dr.Givengo]

His leap in form has coincided with him being moved further forward - so probably not a coincidence at all. Think it's a very smart move by Poch since Moussa can take a lot of pressure off Kane with his strength on the ball. The Liverpool game highlighted to me that Stambouli needs to partner Bentaleb or Mason in some games.

You're spot on about Stambouli mate. Yes Mason and Nabli are the best pairing but Stambouli is a very strong player and I was surprised he was not in the starting XI on Tuesday. (Also that Chadli wasn't used from the start ) been very, very happy with Poch but like I said ,surprised he went with the same line up considering how intense of a match the win over the Scum was.

 

[18Klinsmann]

You're spot on about Stambouli mate. Yes Mason and Nabli are the best pairing but Stambouli is a very strong player and I was surprised he was not in the starting XI on Tuesday. (Also that Chadli wasn't used from the start ) been very, very happy with Poch but like I said ,surprised he went with the same line up considering how intense of a match the win over the Scum was.

Fair point, and those players must have been raring to go - but at the same time it was logical to name the same 11 that did so well against the Gooners. Almost a no-brainer, and I don't think any of our players looked particularly tired at Anfield until the 83rd minute.